The Economic Survey 2025-26 was tabled on January 30, 2026. Who is the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) who authored the Survey?
V. Anantha Nageswaran has been the Chief Economic Adviser since January 2022 (18th CEA of India; his term was extended to March 2027). He succeeded K.V. Subramanian. The Economic Survey 2025-26 projects real GDP growth of 7.4% for FY26 (GVA growth: 7.3%), with India’s potential growth rate rising to 7%.
💡 Concept Note
The CEA heads the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. The Economic Survey is tabled the day before the Union Budget. Previous CEAs include K.V. Subramanian (2018-21), Arvind Subramanian (2014-18), and Raghuram Rajan (2012-13). The Survey is a comprehensive review of the economy, but its projections are advisory and not binding on the Budget.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, India's horticulture production of approximately 362 million tonnes surpassed foodgrain production (approximately 357 million tonnes) for the first time. Which of the following correctly describes the significance of this milestone?
Horticulture production at 362.08 million tonnes exceeded foodgrain production at 3,577.3 LMT (~357.7 million tonnes) for the first time in independent India’s agricultural history. India is already the 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally (after China).
💡 Concept Note
Horticulture includes fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and plantation crops. It generates ~2.5x more revenue per hectare than cereals. Post-harvest losses of ~30% remain a key challenge. This shift reflects agricultural diversification under the National Horticulture Mission.
On which river does the city of Vadodara in Gujarat stand, where 442 mugger crocodiles were counted within a 21-km urban stretch in 2025?
The Vishwamitri River flows through Vadodara (Baroda), Gujarat. The 2025 census recorded 442 mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in a 21-km stretch within the city, making it one of the world’s densest urban crocodile habitats. The river originates in the Pavagadh hills of Panchmahal district and drains into the Gulf of Khambhat.
💡 Concept Note
The mugger crocodile is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. India has three crocodilian species: mugger (VU), saltwater (LC), and gharial (CR). The Crocodile Rehabilitation Programme was launched in 1975.
What is the IUCN Red List conservation status of the gharial (*Gavialis gangeticus*), which is found primarily in India's Ganga river system?
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population is estimated at 1,000-2,500 adults. It is found in the Chambal, Gandak, and Ghaghara rivers. Key threats include river damming, sand mining, and fishing net bycatch.
💡 Concept Note
The gharial has a distinctive very long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish. Males have a pot-like growth called a ‘ghara’ at the tip of the snout. Major conservation sites include National Chambal Sanctuary and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The gharial cannot walk properly on land due to weak limbs.
India Energy Week 2026 was held in Goa from January 27-30, 2026. During IEW 2026, India and which country signed a Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation, relaunching their Ministerial Energy Dialogue after a diplomatic strain?
India and Canada signed a Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation at IEW 2026, relaunching the India-Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue (CIMED). Canada’s Minister Timothy Hodgson attended. Areas of cooperation include LNG, LPG, critical minerals, hydrogen, and biofuels. India-Canada relations had been strained since September 2023 (Nijjar case).
💡 Concept Note
India Energy Week is Asia’s largest integrated energy event. Canada supplies 25% of India’s Muriate of Potash (MOP) imports and is a major source of uranium. India-UAE also signed a Letter of Intent for a Strategic Defence Partnership around the same time (Sheikh MBZ visit, January 19, 2026).
India observes Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) on January 30 every year. Which of the following correctly identifies the location where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948?
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated at Birla Bhavan (Birla House), New Delhi, on January 30, 1948, at 5:17 PM during evening prayers. He was shot three times by Nathuram Vinayak Godse. Rajghat is his cremation/memorial site, not the assassination location.
💡 Concept Note
Martyrs’ Day is also called Sarvodaya Day, reflecting Gandhi’s philosophy of uplift of all. October 2 (Gandhi’s birth anniversary) is observed as International Day of Non-Violence (UNGA, 2007). Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
The new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series announced by MoSPI with base year 2024=100 will replace the current base year series. What is the key change in the food and beverages weight in the new CPI basket?
In the new CPI series (base year 2024=100), the food and beverages weight is reduced from 42.61% to 36.75%. This reduction is expected to make headline inflation less volatile since food prices are highly seasonal. The total item basket expanded from 299 to 358 items.
💡 Concept Note
New items in the basket include OTT subscriptions, CNG/PNG fuel, and e-commerce prices. Removed items include VCR/DVD players and radio sets - reflecting changing consumption patterns. A lower food weight means inflation is less sensitive to monsoon-driven food price swings.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day is observed annually on January 30. Which of the following NTDs does India target for elimination by 2026 under its NTD Roadmap?
India’s NTD Roadmap targets elimination of lymphatic filariasis (caused by filarial worm) and kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania protozoa) by 2026. NTD Day is observed on January 30 since 2020, coinciding with the anniversary of the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs.
💡 Concept Note
WHO identifies 20 NTDs. ‘Elimination’ is defined as reduction to below a threshold prevalence requiring active intervention, not necessarily zero cases (which is ‘eradication’). India’s progress: lymphatic filariasis endemic in 250 districts; mass drug administration programme running annually since 2004.
Khelo India Beach Games 2026 (2nd edition) was held at Ghoghla Beach, Diu. What was the name of the official mascot of KIBG 2026?
The official mascot of Khelo India Beach Games 2026 (2nd edition, held at Ghoghla Beach, Diu) was Pearl, a dolphin. Karnataka emerged as the overall champion. The first edition was also held in Diu.
💡 Concept Note
Khelo India is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Sports Authority of India (SAI). It includes Winter Games (Leh/J&K), Beach Games (Diu), University Games, and Youth Games. The programme aims to identify and develop grassroots sporting talent.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, India's gig worker population grew from 7.7 million in FY21 to 12 million in FY25. Under which of the four Labour Codes are gig workers recognised for social security benefits for the first time?
The Code on Social Security, 2020 formally recognises gig workers and platform workers for the first time in Indian labour law. It enables them to access social security schemes managed by an aggregator-funded welfare fund. All four Labour Codes were notified in November 2025, consolidating 29 pre-existing labour laws.
💡 Concept Note
Gig workers are classified as ‘independent contractors’ not covered by the Contract Labour Act or ESI Act. The Economic Survey recommends a minimum wage policy for gig workers, noting ~40% earn less than Rs 15,000/month. Gig workers are projected to form 6.7% of India’s workforce by 2029-30.
